New chapter begins for lighthouse

Capt. Ron Burkhard

Published
8:00 pm EDT, Monday, September 6, 2004

The location was at Lighthouse County Park, 6 miles north of Port Hope off M-25. The main purpose for this festival was to promote the historical lighthouse within the community and build on the awareness and need to restore this jewel of Huron County.

The festival was a huge success with as many as 950 people climbing the lighthouse tower to the Watch Room where the keeper spent 99 percent of his time keeping the light running efficiently.

Our weekend could not have been more perfect," said Judy Burkhard, co-chairperson for the event. "We estimate 2,000 to 3,000 people walked the lighthouse grounds and enjoyed a wonderful time for the whole family."

The event offered civil war battle re-enactments and encampments of the 1860s, puppet walk-about shows for the children, and Art in the Park both Saturday and Sunday. The maritime musical group Hoolie played Saturday afternoon in the lighthouse courtyard and at the Gala Benefit Dinner Show Saturday evening. Dennis Hale, the sole survivor of the SS Daniel J. Morrell, which sank in 1966, was the guest speaker for the Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon shows.

The society is trying to get the community involved wherever it can. Since the society is a 501c3 non-profit corporation, this means donations to the society are tax deductible. Many businesses and individuals accepted the challenge and came forward to participate in making this festival a successful one. Society members are grateful for all of the people who helped make the festival a success with their efforts and support.

Since the festival, many new families have joined the lighthouse society. Membership dues are $25 for the year, and you can get involved with the lighthouse history and restoration. A newsletter called the Keepers Gazette is published by the Society three times a year for members and sponsors.

The next membership meeting is at 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse. The public is welcome. Bring a lawn chair, and if weather is inclement the meeting will move inside.

This activity was funded in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and Michigan Humanities Council.